This blog represents a view of the world from far, far below the surface where the discarded past and seemingly insignificant points of data are reassembled into something new, meaningful and above all REAL. More generally speaking, this blog will explore hidden meaning within film, entertainment and mass media as a way to explore new ideas and philosophies...

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Post-Election Bread and Circus

"'Bread and Circuses' (or bread and games) (from Latin: panem et circenses) is a metaphor for a superficial means of appeasement. In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the creation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion; distraction; or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace, as an offered 'palliative'. Juvenal decried it as a simplistic motivation of common people. The phrase also implies the erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the common man."

The last several weeks have become a roller-coaster ride of Hurricanes, Elections and now "Wag-the-Dog" high level resignations and mentions of possible cover-ups (a la David Petreaus). There's never been a moment in history where I have sensed so strongly that our view of reality is changing collectively though its hard to envision what the new paradigm will be. The United States is now no longer an invincible country as we witness New Yorkers suffering rationing for gasoline and having no power for days. The Obama victory in the Election was almost anti-climactic in retrospect with Nate Silver's statistical analysis proving what should have been obvious all along - the general public did not in fact have an appetite for Mitt Romney. Now however, barely a week after the election, serious rumors are mounting again about the United States' solvency, potential major market crashes looming on the horizon and massive layoffs already beginning. Unfortunately it seems that some are blaming the layoffs on Obama alone though I think personally that is unfair to the President - he is only one cog in the wheel whose gears are composed of each and every one of us though more so with the elite. So where does this leave us?

Apparently, everything I have mentioned above is not the end but the beginning of a chaotic series of events combined with a "Bread and Circus" effort by the powers that be to distract us during these difficult times. The Petreaus affair is the most obvious example. Who believes the military industrial complex, having its hands bloodied for years with unwarranted drone strikes that have killed countless innocent civilians in the Middle East, actually cares for a moment about marital infidelity? Of course it is ridiculous but its designed to distract those most vulnerable to puritanical programming who are not so much interested in leading a moral life but rather in feeling empowered by shaming the "sinners" among us so they can feel momentarily distracted from the more banal aspects of their existence and the fear of the unknown turgid waters ahead. Yes these are the times of "Bread and Circus" where the leaders make desperate attempts to distract us from what really matters. In thinking about this, assuming that my website is read at all by anyone of any power or stature, I would like to directly address our "leaders" in the western world.

First, let me say that those of us with our critical thinking skills intact are not the least bit impressed right now. With each passing day your desperation becomes more and more apparent and obvious to the point that even the average, status-quo minded individuals are beginning to notice. Do you feel powerful in knowing this? At what point do you recognize that you can not further force your propaganda on the population without them recognizing that such obvious force is being applied? We are slowly but surely reaching that point where the application of more propaganda only leaves you more exposed and vulnerable to ridicule not only online in blogs like this but also in more mainstream sources. Surely you are feeling the pressure of society beginning to wonder if you are indeed even relevant? Here, let me provide you with an example so we are all clear about what I am referring to:

Is this how you wish to be remembered by history? Perhaps its time you come to your senses and humbly accept the fact that you are not in control. Indeed none of us are really, only in the collective sense.

So, now that we have established that the adults are neither adults nor in control what comes next?